Are you considering adding raw liver to your diet? You might have noticed an increase in awareness of eating raw liver from a certain Liver King, but how much of what he says is based on real science, and how much is based on pseudo science, like a lot of similar fads often are? Before you start chomping down on that steak tartare, or stuffing your face with raw liver, let's take a closer look at whether or not raw meat is really good for you.
First of all, let's address the elephant in the room: raw meat can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria can cause food poisoning, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Not exactly the kind of gains you're looking for in your fitness journey.
But what about the argument that raw meat is more nutrient-dense? While it's true that raw liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and that cooking can cause some nutrients to be lost, the difference is not significant enough to outweigh the risks of consuming raw meat. Plus, there are plenty of cooked options that are just as nutrient-dense, such as grass-fed beef or wild-caught fish. Liver is great for you, but we’d really recommend eating it cooked, it’ll still be one of the most nutrient rich foods you’ll consume on any given day, so if you want to start snarfing down on liver, we’d suggest sticking it in a pan first and foremost…
Another argument for raw meat is that it's more easily digestible. However, this claim is also not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, cooking meat can actually make it easier to digest by breaking down the fibres and connective tissues.
So, is raw meat good for you? In short, no. The risks of food poisoning and lack of significant nutritional benefits outweigh any potential benefits.
But don't despair meat heads! There are plenty of other ways to get the protein and nutrients your body needs to fuel your workouts. Consider adding cooked lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based protein sources to your diet instead.
And just for fun, let's imagine a scenario where you are at a BBQ party and your friends are teasing you for not eating raw meat. Just tell them "I prefer to play it safe and not risk any food poisoning, after all, my gains are not worth the stomach ache."
In conclusion, raw meat may not be the best option for fitness enthusiasts looking to fuel their workouts and reach their goals. Stick with cooked options, and you'll be well on your way to achieving those gains without any food poisoning setbacks.
So, remember, when it comes to raw meat, it's better to err on the side of caution and keep your meals cooked. You can get your dream physique without resorting to eating uncooked meat, just lift heavier every week and eat a diverse and protein-rich diet and you’ll gain without having to feel like you’re doing a bushtucker trial!
